EDA University Center FY17 FFO FINAL.pdf

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ANNOUNCEMENT OF FEDERAL FUNDING OPPORTUNITY

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

• Federal Agency Name: Economic Development Administration (EDA), Department of Commerce

• Funding Opportunity Title: FY 2017 EDA University Center Economic Development Program Competition

• Announcement Type and Date: Initial announcement of Federal Funding Opportunity (FFO) dated January 18, 2017.

• Funding Opportunity Numbers:

o Atlanta Regional Office: Generated by Grants Online o Seattle Regional Office: Generated by Grants Online

• Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 11.303, Economic Development – Technical Assistance

• Dates: The deadline for receipt of applications is March 20, 2017.

Please see section D.4. for more information on deadlines under this announcement.

• Funding Opportunity Description: This FFO announces the availability of funding for EDA’s FY 2017 University Center Economic Development Program Competition.

This program funds technical assistance provided by an accredited institution of higher education that is focused on advancing regional commercialization efforts, entrepreneurship, innovation, business expansion in a region’s innovation cluster(s), and a high-skilled regional workforce. EDA solicits competitive applications from accredited institutions of higher education and from consortia of accredited institutions of higher education that are located in and have programs targeting only geographic areas served by EDA’s Atlanta and Seattle Regional Offices:

Atlanta Regional Office

Serves: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.

Seattle Regional Office

Serves: Alaska, Arizona, American Samoa, California, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Republic of Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nevada, Northern Mariana Islands, Oregon, Republic of Palau, and Washington.

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• Addresses and Designated Points of Contact:

1. Atlanta Regional Office

FY 2017 University Center Program Competition Economic Development Administration Atlanta Regional Office 401 West Peachtree Street, NW Suite 1820 Atlanta, GA 30308-3510

Designated Contact:

Priscilla Kittles, 404-730-3004, pkittles@eda.gov

2. Seattle Regional Office

FY 2017 University Center Program Competition Economic Development Administration Seattle Regional Office 915 Second Avenue Room 1890 Seattle, WA 98174

Designated Contact:

Maiea Sellers, 206-220-7665, msellers@eda.gov

• Award Notification: Subject to the availability of funding, successful applicants should expect to receive grant awards within approximately 75 calendar days from the application closing date and times set out in this FFO. The anticipated award will have an initial funding period of twelve months (as part of a five-year period of performance) with an estimated start date on or about June 3, 2017. See section F.1. of this FFO for award notification information.

mailto:cgrannum@eda.gov

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FULL ANNOUNCEMENT TEXT

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

A. Program Description

1. Overview

2. EDA Investment Priorities

3. Statutory authority for the University Center program

B. Federal Award Information

1. What funding is available under this announcement?

2. What type of funding instrument will be used to make awards and how long will a project’s period of performance be?

3. Post-Approval Requirements

C. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

D. Application and Submission Information

1. Address to Request Application Package

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

3. Unique entity identifier and System for Award Management (SAM)

4. Submission Dates and Times

5. Intergovernmental Review

6. Funding Restrictions

7. Other Submission Requirements

E. Application Review Information

1. Criteria

2. Review and Selection Process

3. Federal Awardee Performance Integrity Information System (FAPIIS) Review

F. Federal Award Administration Information

1. Federal Award Notices

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

3. Reporting

4. Regulations, administrative requirements, and cost principles

G. Federal Awarding Agency Contact(s)

H. Other Information

1. Right to Use Information

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2. Freedom of Information Act Disclosure

3. Notice of Government-Wide Procurement Restriction

4. Past Performance and Non-Compliance with Award Provisions

5. Restrictions Governing Making Grants to Corporations Convicted of Felony Criminal Violations and/or Unpaid Federal Tax Liabilities

6. EDA’s Non-relocation Policy

7. Audit Requirements

8. Implementing the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

I. Instructions for Application Submission via Grants.gov

Appendix A. Representation by Corporations Regarding an Unpaid Delinquent Tax Liability or a Felony Conviction Under Any Federal Law

A. Program Description

1. Overview

EDA’s mission is to lead the Federal economic development agenda by promoting innovation and competitiveness, preparing American regions for economic growth and success in the worldwide economy. EDA fulfills this mission through strategic investments and partnerships that create the conditions for economic growth and improved quality of life by expanding the capacity of individuals, firms, and communities to maximize the use of their talents and skills to support innovation, lower transaction costs, and responsibly produce and trade valuable goods and services. The achievement of economic development potential results in regional economic ecosystems that foster globally competitive regions throughout the United States. The economic ecosystem is a multifaceted concept that links together a highly networked regional talent pool; innovation infrastructure (including both tangible and non-tangible types); research and science support systems; and a culture of collaboration sustained by institutions focused on advancing mutual gain for the public and the private sector.

Innovation is the key to greater productivity and global competitiveness, resulting in the creation of new and better jobs, a more resilient economy and the attainment of national economic goals. Regional collaboration is essential for economic recovery and advancement because regions encompass the centers of growth and competition in the new global economy. Regions achieve greater results because of the presence of diverse economic agents and, more often than not, clusters of services and industry.

Quite simply, regions that work together will fare better than those that do not. Infusing more innovation and collaboration into America’s regions has the potential to help communities create and retain higher-wage and sustainable jobs, leverage the flow of private capital, and strengthen America’s ability to compete in the global marketplace.

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EDA recognizes that institutions of higher education are critical players in the development of vibrant economic ecosystems. Universities are sources of significant economic development assets—such as faculty, staff, students, research and proof of concept centers, laboratories, and high speed broadband networks—that can support regional economic growth. In addition, universities create significant knowledge spillovers and possess broader and deeper networks of expertise that can assist innovators and entrepreneurs. Research also shows that small businesses located in proximity to an institution of higher education tend to be more innovative.1 Potential university-based support for economic growth includes the commercialization of research, the conversion of intellectual property and ideas into products and services, and the support of regionally-owned strategies that support business expansion and job creation. Additionally, universities facilitate environments conducive to trade and global exports by providing services for businesses to connect to international markets.

The purpose of EDA’s University Center Economic Development Program (also referred to in this announcement as the University Center program) is to enable institutions of higher education and consortia of institutions of higher education to establish and operate University Centers specifically focused on using university assets to build regional economic ecosystems that support innovation and high-growth entrepreneurship. University Centers collaborate with other EDA partners by providing expertise and technical assistance to develop, implement and support regional strategies which result in job creation, high-skilled regional talent pools, and business expansion in a region’s innovation clusters2. Expertise and technical assistance may address, for example, applied research centers, technology commercialization, feasibility studies, market research, economic impact analyses training, and other technical assistance to help communities foster vibrant economic ecosystems.

Since FY 2004, EDA has administered the University Center program as a competitive multi-year program. As presented in the table below, EDA holds University Center program competitions in two of its six regional offices each of the following fiscal years. In FY 2017, EDA is holding the competition in its Atlanta and Seattle Regional Offices.

FY 2017

(this competition)

Atlanta Regional Office

Seattle Regional Office

Serves: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.

Serves: Alaska, Arizona, American Samoa, California, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Republic of Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nevada, Northern Mariana Islands, Oregon, Republic of Palau, and Washington.

1 Feldman, M. P. (1993). Knowledge Complementarity and Innovation. Townson, Maryland: Goucher College.

2 EDA defines clusters as geographic concentrations of firms, workers and industries that do business with each other and have common needs for talent, technology, and infrastructure. Clusters are essentially networks of similar, synergistic, or complementary entities that are engaged in or with a particular industry sector; have active channels for business transactions and communication; share specialized infrastructure, labor markets, and services; and leverage the region’s unique competitive strengths to stimulate innovation and create jobs.

Clusters may cross municipal, county, and other jurisdictional boundaries.

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FY 2018

(next competition)

Austin Regional Office

Denver Regional Office

Serves: Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas.

Serves: Colorado, Iowa (excluding Muscatine and Scott counties), Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming.

FY 2021

Philadelphia Regional Office

Chicago Regional Office

Serves: Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, U.S. Virgin Islands, and West Virginia.

Serves: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin, and Muscatine and Scott counties in Iowa.

EDA does not anticipate creating or funding any additional University Centers outside of this competitive solicitation, unless a University Center grantee withdraws from the program or does not perform to EDA’s satisfaction. In such cases, the appropriate EDA regional office may choose to hold an intervening competition.

EDA encourages the submission of applications that will create and nurture regional economic ecosystems through applied research and development, technology commercialization, targeted activities that cultivate entrepreneurship, and improve regional economic development. A regional economic ecosystem supports innovation clusters through three main components:

• A highly networked regional talent pool, with specialized expertise relevant to the region’s innovation clusters (including connections along the supply chain and across disciplines so that researchers, academics, investors, suppliers, and entrepreneurs can efficiently share ideas and best practices);

• A support system for turning discoveries into marketable goods and services, including business counseling, incubation programs, and proof-of-concept centers; and

• Innovation infrastructure (which includes both tangible and non-tangible types) necessary to support innovation such as education, workforce development, and financial infrastructure.

In addition, EDA encourages University Center program applications that:

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• Benefit distressed communities3 by linking these communities to larger, more vibrant regional economies, including rural-urban linkages;

• Present a clear plan for collaborating with and assisting other EDA investment partners, recipients, and stakeholders, including EDA-funded Economic Development Districts (EDDs) and Indian Tribes;

• Encompass regional, Statewide and multi-State programs; and create synergies within EDA’s Public Works, Economic Adjustment Assistance, and Partnership Planning programs;

• Offer services within a well-defined geographic region in the States and territories covered by the Atlanta and Seattle Regional Offices, and provide a full range of economic development research and technical assistance services to EDA regional partners; and

• Tailor services to the region’s needs and each sponsoring institution’s (or consortium’s) strengths.

EDA will strive to avoid funding duplicative services among selected University Centers.

University Center applicants should demonstrate how they will integrate their programs across their respective institutions and regional stakeholders in order to increase the impact of programs that support economic development. Applicants should also demonstrate a record of success in fostering higher-skill, higher-wage private sector job creation, as well as the ability to engage the private sector and leverage other sources of financial support.

2. EDA Investment Priorities

Through the competitive grant process outlined in this funding opportunity, all proposals are evaluated to determine the extent to which they align with EDA’s investment priorities, create or retain high-quality jobs, leverage public and private resources, demonstrate the ability to start the proposed project promptly and use funds quickly and effectively, and provide a clear scope of work and specific, measureable outcomes.

EDA’s investment priorities are designed to provide an overarching framework to guide the agency’s investment portfolio to ensure its investments have the greatest impact. Competitive applications will be responsive to the evaluation criteria listed in section E.1. of this FFO, and will align with at least one of the following investment priorities:

3 Distress, as delineated in the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965, as amended, (42 U.S.C.

§ 3121 et seq.), may exist in a variety of forms, including high levels of unemployment, low income levels, large concentrations of low-income families, and significant declines in per capita income because of large numbers (or high rates) of business failures, sudden major layoffs or plant closures significantly adversely affecting a region’s economic base, military base closures, natural or other major disasters, depletion of natural resources or reduced tax bases, or substantial loss of population because of the lack of employment opportunities. See also 13 C.F.R. 301.3

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a. Collaborative Regional Innovation Projects that increase the development and growth of innovation clusters4 which, based on objective economic data, are existing regional competitive strengths. Such initiatives must engage relevant stakeholders; facilitate collaboration among urban, suburban, and rural (including tribal) areas; provide stability for economic development through long-term intergovernmental and public/private collaboration;

and support the growth of existing and emerging industries.

b. Public/Private Partnerships Projects that use both public and private sector assets and complementary investments by other government/public entities and/or nonprofits.

c. National Strategic Priorities

Projects that:

i. encourage job growth and business expansion in manufacturing, including advanced manufacturing, sustainable manufacturing, and manufacturing supply chains;

ii. assist communities severely impacted by the declining use of coal;

iii. increase economic resiliency, including resilience to the effects of natural disasters and climate change;

iv. assist with natural disaster mitigation and recovery;

v. are aimed at restoring or improving urban waters and the communities that surround them; and

vi. assist and/or support:

a. information technology infrastructure (for example, broadband or smart grid);

b. communities severely impacted by industry restructuring;

c. job-driven skills development;

d. access to capital for small- and medium-sized and ethnically diverse enterprises;

e. innovations in science and health care; and advancement of science and research parks, other technology transfer, or technology commercialization efforts.

d. Global Competitiveness Projects that support high-growth businesses and innovation-based entrepreneurs to expand and compete in global markets, especially investments that expand U.S. exports, encourage foreign direct investment, promote the repatriation of jobs back to the U.S., and position U.S. firms to become leaders in global industries.

4 EDA defines clusters as geographic concentrations of firms, workers and industries that do business with each other and have common needs for talent, technology, and infrastructure. Clusters are essentially networks of similar, synergistic, or complementary entities that are engaged in or with a particular industry sector; have active channels for business transactions and communication; share specialized infrastructure, labor markets, and services; and leverage the region’s unique competitive strengths to stimulate innovation and create jobs.

Clusters may cross municipal, county, and other jurisdictional boundaries.

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e. Environmentally-Sustainable Development

Projects that promote job creation and economic prosperity through enhancing environmental quality and developing and implementing green products, processes, places, and buildings as part of the green economy. This includes projects that encourage job growth, business expansion, and innovations in energy-efficient technologies and clean energy, including alternative fuel technologies. Additional information is available on EDA’s website at http://www.eda.gov/pdf/GreenGrowthOverview.pdf.

f. Underserved Communities

Investments that strengthen diverse communities that have suffered disproportionate economic distress and job losses and/or are rebuilding to become more competitive in the global economy, including economic development initiatives that help unemployed and underemployed young adults obtain the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed.

3. Statutory authority for the University Center program

EDA’s authorizing statute is the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965, as amended (42 U.S.C. § 3121 et seq.) (PWEDA). The specific authority for the University Center Economic Development Program is section 207 of PWEDA (42 U.S.C. § 3147), which authorizes EDA to make grants for the establishment of University Centers. EDA’s regulations at 13 C.F.R. parts 300–302 and subpart B of 13 C.F.R. part 306 set forth the general and specific regulatory requirements applicable to the University Center program.

EDA’s regulations are codified at 13 C.F.R. chapter III and are accessible on the U.S. Government Printing Office’s (GPO’s) website at https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR- 2015-title13-vol1/pdf/CFR-2015-title13-vol1-chapIII.pdf. Likewise, PWEDA is available on the GPO’s website at https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/USCODE-2014-title42/pdf/USCODE- 2014-title42-chap38.pdf.

B. Federal Award Information

1. What funding is available under this announcement?

Note: As of the date of publication of this FFO, [January 18, 2017], the full amount of FY 2017 appropriations is not available and EDA is currently operating under the authority of P.L. 114-254 (Further Continuing and Security Assistance Appropriations Act, 2017). The FY 2016 appropriation levels are provided only for your information as they may prove useful for planning purposes.

In FY 2016, EDA appropriated approximately $8.4 million to the University Center program under funding appropriated through the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2016 (P.L. 114- 113). Annual awards for the University Centers selected in past years generally have been in the range of $80,000 to $200,000 each, and 8 to 10 awards generally have been made per participating region. The Atlanta Regional Office and the Seattle Regional Office may choose to fund awards under this competition outside of these ranges. Subject to the http://www.eda.gov/pdf/GreenGrowthOverview.pdf https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-2015-title13-vol1/pdf/CFR-2015-title13-vol1-chapIII.pdf https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-2015-title13-vol1/pdf/CFR-2015-title13-vol1-chapIII.pdf https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/USCODE-2014-title42/pdf/USCODE-2014-title42-chap38.pdf https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/USCODE-2014-title42/pdf/USCODE-2014-title42-chap38.pdf

– 10 – availability of funding at the time of award, the funds allocated to the University Center program are anticipated to be available until expended.

2. What type of funding instrument will be used to make awards and how long will a project’s period of performance be?

Under this competitive solicitation, EDA may, subject to the availability of funds, award grants to selected University Centers. The Atlanta and Seattle Regional Offices will provide a five-year period of performance for each applicant selected for funding, with an initial funding period of one year. The selected University Centers will not have to compete for the second, third, fourth, and fifth years of funding. Funding beyond the initial year will be dependent upon the availability of funds, and upon the recipient’s satisfactory performance and progress in achieving milestones and program goals as determined by EDA and expressed in writing.

3. Post-Approval Requirements

Recipients under this announcement shall make themselves available for up to two presentations per year, at a time and place designated by EDA, and shall be required to provide EDA with an electronic copy of their presentations suitable for posting on EDA’s website. These presentations include but may not be limited to accomplishments and program progress. Recipients also shall be required to participate in periodic University Center conference calls or webinars to share best practices and discuss the program’s challenges and opportunities.

In addition to the annual performance evaluation by EDA, recipient’ performance will be subject to a peer review at the end of years two and four of the period of performance. Two weeks before the recipient’s scheduled peer review, the University Center must provide EDA with an abstract of its original proposal, a copy of its presentation on the University Center’s performance, and any relevant papers or work product for dissemination to the peer review panelists. The recipient should be prepared to participate in a moderated discussion with these reviewers at the conclusion of its presentation.

As part of the required progress reports (see section F.3. of this FFO), recipients will be required to provide an overview of how activities of the University Centers are fulfilling the needs of their target regions. For example, University Centers could identify how their activities result in a change in per capita income, help assist businesses, or supply a summary of their technology commercialization activities. Recipients are required to comply with all terms and conditions of the award, including special award conditions agreed to between EDA and the University Center.

C. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

An accredited institution of higher education, including a community college, junior college, or a consortium of accredited institutions of higher education is eligible to apply for and to receive funding under the University Center Economic Development Program.

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See section 3(12) of PWEDA (42 U.S.C. § 3122(12)) and 13 C.F.R. § 300.3. A university-affiliated research institution also is eligible to apply for and to receive funding under this FFO, provided it demonstrates (e.g., through a letter or other documentation from the university President or Chancellor) that it maintains the full and integral support of the university with respect to its economic development activities. For applicants applying as a consortium, one accredited institution of higher education must be identified as the lead applicant that would have primary responsibility to EDA and to the other members of the consortium for implementing an award. A non-profit organization, in good standing and participating in the institution’s proposed project in connection with an application under this FFO, may partner with a consortium; provided that, the organization itself is affiliated with and directed by an accredited institution of higher education.

Pursuant to this FFO, EDA is soliciting applications from accredited institutions of higher education and from consortia of accredited institutions of higher education to operate University Centers in (and have programs targeting) only the following geographic areas served by the Atlanta and Seattle Regional Offices:

Atlanta Regional Office

Serves: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.

Seattle Regional Office

Serves: Alaska, Arizona, American Samoa, California, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Republic of Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nevada, Northern Mariana Islands, Oregon, Republic of Palau, and Washington.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

Generally, the amount of an EDA award may not exceed 50 percent of the total cost of the project. Projects may receive an additional amount that may not exceed up to 30 percent of the total project cost, based on the relative needs of the Region in which the project will be located, as determined by EDA.5 The Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development has the discretion to establish a maximum EDA investment rate of up to 100 percent where the project (i) merits and is not otherwise feasible without an increase to the EDA investment rate; or (ii) will be of no or only incidental benefit to the recipient.6 Additionally, EDA’s regulations provide discretion to establish a maximum EDA investment rate of up to 100 percent for projects of Indian Tribes.7

5 See section 204(a) of PWEDA (42 U.S.C. § 3144) and 13 C.F.R. § 301.4(b)(1).

6 See section 204(c)(3) of PWEDA (42 U.S.C. § 3144) and 13 C.F.R. § 301.4(b)(4).

7 See 13 C.F.R. § 301.4(b)(5).

https://www.eda.gov/pdf/EDAs_regs-13_CFR_Chapter_III.pdf

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In the application review process, EDA will consider the nature of the contribution (cash or in-kind) and the amount of the matching share funds. In-kind contributions may provide the required non-Federal share of the total project cost and can consist of contributions directly related to the proposed project, such as space, equipment, services, or forgiveness or assumptions of debt.8 Funds from other Federal financial assistance awards are considered matching share funds only if authorized by statute, which may be determined by EDA’s reasonable interpretation of the statute.9

EDA will fairly evaluate all in-kind contributions, which must be eligible project costs and meet applicable Federal cost principles and uniform administrative requirements. The applicant must show that the matching share will: (i) be committed to the project for the project period, (ii) be available as needed, and (iii) not be conditioned or encumbered in any way that may preclude its use consistent with the requirements of EDA investment assistance.10 In order to meet these requirements, applicants may submit for each source of matching share, a commitment letter or equivalent document signed by an authorized representative of the organization providing the matching funds. Additional documentation may be requested by EDA in order to substantiate the availability of the matching funds.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to work with the appropriate EDA representative listed in section G. of this FFO to determine how in-kind contributions can be utilized to satisfy the matching share requirement for their respective project concept and application.

D. Application and Submission Information

1. Address to Request Application Package

An applicant may obtain the appropriate application package electronically at www.grants.gov (Grants.gov). Applicants in areas served by the Atlanta Regional Office may search for this funding opportunity on Grants.gov using Funding Opportunity Number “EDA-ATL-TA-ATRO-2017-2005165”; while applicants in areas served by the Seattle Regional Office may search for this funding opportunity on Grants.gov using Funding Opportunity Number “EDA-SEA-TA-SRO-2017-2005164”. All components of the appropriate application package may be accessed and downloaded (in a screen-fillable format) at http://www.grants.gov/applicants/apply_for_grants.jsp. The preferred electronic file format for attachments is Adobe portable document format (PDF); however, EDA will accept electronic files in Microsoft Word, WordPerfect, or Microsoft Excel. Applicants are advised that they must complete the registration process prior to submitting an application through Grants.gov. Please note, however, that registration is not required for an applicant to access, view, or download the application package. Even though an applicant may be able to view and download an application, if the applicant has not correctly completed the Grants.gov registration process, the applicant will not be able to submit the application electronically for EDA’s review. Alternatively, an applicant eligible for assistance under this

8 See section 204(b) of PWEDA (42 U.S.C. § 3144).

9 See the definition of “Local Share or Matching Share” at 13 C.F.R. § 300.3.

10 See 13 C.F.R. § 301.5.

http://www.grants.gov/applicants/apply_for_grants.jsp

– 13 – announcement may request a paper application package by contacting the appropriate EDA regional office listed under section G. of this FFO.

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

Applicants must complete and submit the following components of an application package.

An application that does not have all of the required components may be considered incomplete and not receive further consideration. See section E. of this FFO for information regarding application review.

a. Required Forms

• Form SF-424 - Application for Federal Assistance.

• Form SF-424A - Budget Information—Non-Construction Programs.

• Form SF-424B - Assurances—Non-Construction Programs.

• Form CD-511 - Certification Regarding Lobbying.

• Form SF-LLL - Disclosure of Lobbying Activities, if applicable.

• Form ED-900 – General Application for EDA Programs.

• Form ED-900A – Additional EDA Assurances for Construction or Non-Construction Investments.

b. Special Instructions for Completing Form ED-900 The following modifications to the general application instructions for Form ED-900 apply to this competition and should be observed. Applicants are advised to read carefully as the following elements have been waived.

In general, certain sections of Form ED-900 require general project information that may be included in the applicant’s Project Narrative (described below). To avoid redundancy, the applicant may make the following notation “See Project Narrative” (a cross-reference to the corresponding Project Narrative section is strongly encouraged) in the response boxes corresponding to these sections.

Section B.3 of Form ED-900. Applicants under this FFO are not required to submit a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) referenced in section B.3 of Form ED-900. Applicants should type “Not required for a UC” in the box following the “If Yes” statement.

Non-governmental applicants must complete section F of Form ED-900 and include all documentation required in that section except that applicants are not required to submit a resolution (or letter signed by) an authorized representative of a general purpose political subdivision of a State acknowledging that it is acting in cooperation with officials of such political division (section F.3).

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Notwithstanding the applicant’s self-designation, EDA may determine that public universities in certain States should be treated as “Governmental” even if the universities utilize non-profit organizations to structure their relationship with Federal grant agencies.

c. Project Narrative.

As outlined in section D.2. of this FFO, all applicants must complete the General Application for EDA Programs (Form ED-900) as part of the application package to be considered for funding. Section B of Form ED-900 provides structured questions designed to assess the need and impact of a proposed project. While Form ED-900 provides space within the form for responses, the applicant may substitute an expanded Project Narrative in a separate attachment that references and responds to the questions in the ED-900, to ensure that its application includes a clear and compelling justification for the project. The Project Narrative must be no more than 10 pages of double-spaced text (approximately 200 to 300 words per page), including any attachments but not including the cover page. The Project Narrative must provide for a five-year scope of work and for a timeline for implementation during the five-year period of performance. The timeline must include benchmarks to gauge program progress. The Project Narrative must include the following items, which should be presented in the following format:

i. Cover Page.

ii. Section 1. Program Focus.

Identify the program focus of the proposed EDA-supported University Center. Applicants should indicate whether the University Center will focus on supporting regional commercialization efforts, advancing high-growth entrepreneurship, cultivating innovation, business expansion in a region’s innovation cluster(s), developing a high-skilled regional workforce, or any combination of the above. If the University Center will have more than one program focus, applicants should clearly indicate the anticipated percentage of time devoted to each focus. Applicants that are current or former EDA-funded University Centers must demonstrate how the proposed project is different from or builds upon the previously funded University Center project.

iii. Section 2. Service Region, Needs of Service Region, and Target Audience.

Define the geographic service region of the University Center. For purposes of this competition, a region is defined as “an economic unit of human, natural, technological, capital or other resources, defined geographically.” Geographic areas comprising a region need not be contiguous or defined by political boundaries, but should constitute a cohesive area capable of undertaking successful economic development. See the definition of “region” in 13 C.F.R. § 300.3.

Describe the service region’s industries and existing regional economic development strategy(ies). Applicants should identify linkages between the regional strategies and the proposed University Center’s activities. Applicants are strongly encouraged to support any claims with independent, third-party data, regional strategy plans, and existing impact studies.

https://www.eda.gov/pdf/EDAs_regs-13_CFR_Chapter_III.pdf

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Describe the current state of the geographic service region’s economic ecosystem, including the regional talent pool, innovation infrastructure, and support systems to facilitate commercialization of research and technology transfer, as well as the connections between economic ecosystem components and regional economic development strategies. Identify the proposed University Center’s measurable activities that will assist the proposed service area in filling economic ecosystem gaps and achieving regional economic development goals that are part of the regional strategy(ies).

List existing and potential partnerships with regional economic development stakeholders (e.g., regional planning organizations) and trade/export related entities (e.g., U.S. export assistance centers); and describe ongoing activities. Provide specific examples of the partnerships and the specific activity(ies) to be carried out by this partnership during the period of performance.

As noted above, EDA strongly encourages University Centers that benefit distressed communities to link these communities to larger, more vibrant regional economies. The applicant should identify the targeted beneficiaries of the proposed University Center and desired outcomes throughout the proposed geographic service region. Describe, using specific examples, how the proposed work program will positively impact the targeted beneficiaries in the proposed geographic service region.

iv. Section 3. Scope of Work and Anticipated Impacts and Results.

Present an overview of the scope of work, explaining how the proposed scope of work will address the specific economic ecosystem gaps identified in paragraph D.1.c.iii. above.

Describe the specific activities to be undertaken by the University Center recipient during the period of performance, including but not limited to providing technical assistance, conducting applied research, and disseminating information about and the results of University Center’s economic development activities. For purposes of the University Center program, providing “technical assistance” includes all economic development activities whether undertaken at the request of an entity outside of the sponsoring institution (or consortium) or directly by the applicant or co-applicants. Conducting applied research means the direct use of research to address a specific challenge, meet a specific need, or solve a specific problem experienced by innovators, entrepreneurs, economic planners, and cluster-based industries. Disseminating information about the activities of the University Center includes: (1) efforts taken to inform the University Center’s target audience of available assistance; (2) publicizing research findings and best practices; and

(3) demonstrating to EDA how measurable economic development outcomes will be realized during the period of performance.

EDA-sponsored University Centers engage in various activities to support the economic ecosystem of a region, including targeted commercialization of research, workforce development, and business counseling services. Examples of such activities include, but are not limited to:

• Assisting communities in identifying and defining their workforce talent pool and entrepreneurial capacity related to growing innovation clusters and

– 16 – growth strategies through strategic and sustainable economic development planning efforts;

• Supporting or accelerating technology commercialization and entrepreneurship by assisting in licensing and patenting activities;

• Supporting new product development by using student and faculty expertise and university laboratories and equipment to develop prototypes;

• Assisting entrepreneurs in the establishment of companies to commercialize technology or innovative products and services;

• Assisting existing businesses in increasing productivity and quality, streamlining operations, and cutting costs through the introduction or extension of advanced manufacturing, quality management, and other processes and techniques;

• Assisting entrepreneurs, tribal entities, local governments, District Organizations, and other private and public sector organizations with cutting energy costs, reducing their carbon footprint, and incorporating green building techniques or green manufacturing processes, as appropriate;

• Supporting business development strategies and enhancing profitability through marketing and sales techniques, new product development analyses, and identifying new markets (including international markets);

• Supporting the regional talent pool through workforce development, professional and leadership development, and core business training; and

• Assisting communities in addressing financial challenges through innovative financing techniques.

Identify the anticipated economic impacts and benefits to the University Center’s service region, in particular the previously identified economically distressed regions and the target audience. Anticipated benefits may include, but are not limited to:

• Economic impacts of projects assisted as measured by direct, indirect and induced output, jobs and income;

• Longitudinal economic impacts over a defined period at least three years after the University Center assistance is provided to the service region, including identified economically distressed regions;

• Investments of private sector capital;

• The percentage of University Center clients initiating action as a result of the technical assistance provided by the University Center;

• The percentage of University Center clients that achieve the anticipated results;

• Any activities that result in measureable outcomes leading to increased innovation, entrepreneurship, emerging and growing clusters, and sustainable economic development practices; and

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• Activities that create or enhance networks supporting innovation, transfer of knowledge, and entrepreneurship.

v. Section 4. Supporting Information.

Discuss the sponsoring institution’s (or consortium’s) capacity and experience in successfully operating economic development technical assistance programs, especially those focused on regional commercialization, entrepreneurship, and regional innovation cluster and infrastructure development. Applicants are encouraged to document specific results of past economic development activities and programs.

Identify other organizations in the proposed service area that provide potentially complementary or duplicative services.

Outline the process(es) or strategy(ies) the proposed University Center will follow to maximize coordination and interaction with relevant entities, such as District Organizations, Indian Tribes, Councils of Governments, Regional Planning Commissions, and other University Centers, to minimize duplication of services and provide services not currently available.

Outline the process(es) or strategy(ies) for coordinating economic development efforts among private and public institutions in the proposed service area.

Outline the process(es) or strategy(ies) for coordinating and accessing key resources of the sponsoring institution (or consortium) to support economic development efforts.

For existing University Center recipients, discuss past performance in administering economic development technical assistance projects.

vi. Section 5. Project Fit with EDA’s Priorities.

Applicants must address the: (i) expected benefits of the proposed scope of work in light of EDA’s support for the development and growth of regional innovation clusters and technology commercialization based on existing regional competitive strengths; (ii) expected impacts and benefits of efforts in distressed communities; (iii) use of both public and private sector resources and leveraging of complementary investments by other governmental or public entities or non-profit organizations; and (iv) extent to which the proposed project will engage EDA stakeholders, facilitate collaboration among urban, suburban, and rural (including Tribal) areas, provide stability for economic development through long-term intergovernmental and public/private collaboration, and support the growth of existing and emerging innovation clusters.

vii. Section 6. Project Timeline.

Applicants must submit a detailed five-year timeline for project implementation that includes significant project benchmarks and accomplishments.

viii. Section 7. Project Sustainability.

Applicants must describe the sustainability of the proposed project beyond the period of performance by describing:

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i. Sources of funding or a revenue model that support proposed activities beyond the period of performance, without future EDA funding; and,

ii. Additional resources and partnerships that will continue to support the project beyond the period of performance.

d. Budget, Budget Narrative, and Staffing Plan.

i. SF-424A. Applicants must submit Form SF-424A for the entire five-year period of performance. In addition, applicants must attach five separate itemized budgets—including columns reflecting the Federal, non-Federal cash, non-Federal in-kind, and total amounts allocated to each budget line-item—for each of the five years in the period of performance. Applicants should use the budget categories identified in “Section B – Budget Categories” of Form SF-424A, with sub-categories and explanations as necessary. The allowability of costs under a Federal award is determined in accordance with the provisions of subpart E of 2 C.F.R. part 200 “Cost Principles”. Generally, allowable costs include salaries, supplies, and other expenses that are reasonable, allocable, and allowable for successful completion of the scope of work.

ii. Budget Narrative. The budget narrative should specifically address each budget line item (including both the Federal Share and matching Non-Federal share) and the narrative total should match the total project costs listed in both the SF-424 question 18 line g and SF-424A (“Totals”) for the five-year period of performance. The budget narrative should include itemized valuations of any in-kind matching funds. The non-Federal share, whether in cash or in-kind, is expected to be paid out at the same general rate as the Federal share; however, if the applicant’s budget narrative proposes otherwise, applicants must also include information that clearly indicates what project elements the matching share funds will support and explain why deviation from paying out at the same general rate is required for the project to be implemented.

iii. Staffing Plan. In addition to the budget and budget narrative, applicants also must submit a staffing plan listing all positions that will be charged to the Federal and non-Federal portion of the budget for each year of the five-year period of performance. The staffing plan must include position titles, maximum annual salaries, percentage of time dedicated to the project, and the total amount of annual salaries that would be charged to the project. The total amount of annual salaries that would be charged to the project must be consistent with the amount reflected on the “Personnel” budget line-item on the Form SF-424A for each project year.

iv. Facilities and Administrative (F&A) Costs. If F&A costs (sometimes referred to as indirect costs) are included in the budget, the applicant must include a copy of its current F&A Cost Rate Agreement or

– 19 – documentation establishing that it has a pending application. An applicant that does not have a current F&A Cost Rate Agreement negotiated and approved by EDA (or by the applicable cognizant Federal agency) may propose facilities and administrative costs in its budget. However, the applicant must prepare and submit an F&A cost allocation plan and rate proposal or a negotiated indirect cost rate as required by 2 C.F.R. § 200.414 (“Indirect (F&A) costs”). The allocation plan and the rate proposal must be submitted to EDA (or applicable cognizant Federal agency) within ninety days from the award start date. In accordance with 2 C.F.R. § 200.414(g), an applicant that has a negotiated indirect cost rate may apply to the entity’s cognizant agency for indirect costs for a one-time extension of a currently negotiated rate for a period of up to four years, In addition, in accordance with 2 C.F.R. § 200.414(f), an applicant that has never received a negotiated indirect cost rate, except for applicants described in Paragraph D.1.b of Appendix VII to 2 C.F.R. part 200 (specifically, a governmental department or agency that receives more than $35 million in direct Federal funding), may elect to charge a de minimis rate of 10 percent of modified total direct costs.

Subject to the limitation on F&A costs set out in the paragraph below, the maximum dollar amount of allocable facilities and administrative costs for which EDA will reimburse a recipient shall be the lesser of the: (i) line-item amount for the Federal share of F&A costs contained in the EDA-approved budget for the award, or (ii) Federal share of the total allocable F&A costs of the award based on the cost rate approved by EDA (or applicable cognizant Federal agency); provided that the cost rate is current at the time the costs were incurred and provided that the rate is approved on or before the award end date. The applicant should include a statement in its budget narrative if the applicant does not have a current F&A Cost Rate Agreement, has not applied for, a F&A Cost Rate Agreement, or elects the 10 percent de minimis rate.

v. Program Income. If the operation of the University Center is expected to generate program income as defined at 2 C.F.R. § 200.80, such amounts must be accounted for in the project budget and must be added to those budget line-items pertaining to direct program delivery. Unless otherwise specified in the terms and conditions applicable to a specific award, program income must be added to funds committed to the project, and must be used to further eligible program activities before expiration of the five-year period of performance. See also 2 C.F.R. § 200.307.

e. Organizational Summary and Résumés of Key Project Staff.

Applicants must attach the résumés of key project staff, which generally should not exceed two pages in length (per résumé). Applicants also should provide a two-page summary description of all personnel performing for the applicant under the proposed project and

– 20 – contractors named in the application. Subject to the availability of funding, successful applicants under this FFO must follow the applicable Federal procurement rules prior to selecting or entering into vendor contracts.

f. Requirements…